Teaching Children To Follow Your Directions Around The House (Or Classroom)

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    Meals and snack times; cleaning up and getting dressed; nap time or going somewhere? These are just a few of the times it can be frustrating trying to get kids to follow your directions. The key is a combination of consistency - so kids know what to expect, and light-heartedness so it's fun to participate and follow your lead. Use rhyming words to cue that you are about to give an instruction. Have them repeat a word that rhymes with your direction. Young children love non-sense words. It's all articulation practice, and they'll start to recognize the sound and rhythm of rhymes. After all, why not teach some language skills at the same time you teach your child to follow directions?  Here are a few tips from one of my books, The Pringle Plan For Following Directions.

AROUND THE HOUSE

 (OR CLASSROOM)

• Students repeat a word, and then follow your direction for any of the following occasions.
• Demonstrate each direction, until students have learned how with just a verbal instruction.

Meal and Snack Times

Say, “Wakefust.”  It’s time for breakfast.  (Nod yes.)

Say, “Lands.”  Let’s wash our hands.

Say, “Clown.”  Now please sit down.

Say, “Quack.”  It’s time for snack.  (Nod yes.)

Say, “Zands.”  Now wash your hands.

Say, “Kale.”  Please sit on your tail.

Say, “Munch.”  Let’s have our lunch.  (Nod yes.)

Say, “Bands.” Please wash your hands.

Say, “Whale.” Now sit on your tail.

Or

Say, “Pine.” Now get in line.

Say, “Winner.”  Let’s get ready for dinner.  (Nod yes.)

Say, “Sands.” Go wash your hands.

Say, “Gown.” Please sit down.

Clean Up Time

Say, “Mash.” Let’s throw out our trash.

Say, “Keen.” Now help me clean.

Say, “Deep.”  Please help me sweep.

Getting Dressed

Say, “Care.” Let’s pick out something to wear.

Say, “Zare.” Now put on your underwear.

Say, “Tants.” Now put on your pants.

Say, “Dirt.” Now put on your shirt.

Say, “Fox.” Please put on your socks.

Say, “Dues.” Now put on your shoes.

Going Somewhere

Say, “Floor.” Please wait by the door.

Say, “Better.” Now put on your sweater.

Say, “Boat.” Now put on your coat.

Say, “Far.” Now get in the car.

Say, “Pup.”  Let’s buckle up.

Activities

Say, “Name.” Let’s play a game. (Nod yes.)

Say, “Joy.”  Pick out a toy.

Say, “Care.”  Remember to share. (Nod yes.)

Say, “Look.”  Let’s read a book. (Nod yes.)

Say, “Wide.” It’s time to go outside. (Nod yes.)

Say, “Guess.”  Have fun at recess. (Nod yes.)

Going Home

Say, “Yesk.” Please clean off your desk.

Say, “Bolder.” Put your papers in your folder.

Say, “Nack.” Now pack your back-pack. 

Say, “Care.” Please push in your chair.

Say, “Goat.” Now put on your coat.

Say, “Gus.” Please listen for your bus. (hand to ear)

Nap or Bedtime

Say, “Red.” Now hop in bed.

Say, “Cap.” Now take a nap.

Say, “Peep.” Now go to sleep.

The Pringle Plan For Following Directions, Laura S. Pringle

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 The Pringle Plan is a series of educational guides.

 ©2018 Laura S. Pringle. All Rights Reserved.